Charged Up: How Octopus Electroverse is Powering the EV Revolution

Is your fleet prepared for the next decade of the EV transition? Rachel Beaton from Octopus Electroverse joins the discussion to share insights on the full picture of what’s ahead — from educating drivers and navigating chargers and lease cycles, to understanding government incentives, manufacturing shifts, and the opportunities in the second-hand market. With technology evolving quickly and fleets playing a pivotal role in adoption, this conversation provides practical guidance for planning a smoother transition and staying ahead of the curve.

 

Key Takeaways.

• [:01] Denise Johansson puts Rachel Beaton, Commercial Director at Octopus Electroverse, in the hot seat.
• [2:27] EVs are the next step in many aspects that go beyond climate change, from vroom vroom noises to being able to charge the vehicle at home.
• [4:45] The drive to electric is at the adoption tipping point, where you are starting to see broader, lower-cost adoption and a strong second-hand market.
• [5:59] When it comes to fleets, a top-down approach may yet be required, but some aspects can bolster change; a burgeoning second-hand market could make a difference in further adoption.
• [8:01] Range anxiety and charging options are being actively addressed by manufacturers. Rachel lists some of the primary concerns that remain.
• [10:10] A Europe-wide network isn’t yet there, Rachel offers the word “patchy” and outlines where improvement needs to be made.
• [11:58] The Norway effect: an example of successful EV transition
• [13:20] Rachel breaks down the many considerations for a fleet requiring an EV transition.
• [17:47] What happens in ten years to the people caught unprepared? Rachel offers a few projections.
• [19:04] Will production keep up with the ten-year deadline?
• [20:31] Projecting for the EV market 5 years into the future is difficult; Rachel offers some predictions.
• [22:45] Electroverse in 5 years! Easy is the keyword.
• [25:16] Rachel offers some parting thoughts on education when it comes to promoting an EV transition.
• [26:47] Denise signs out until the next time she puts an industry leader in the hot seat.

 

People.

• Guest Rachel Beaton, Commercial Director at Octopus Electroverse, Europe’s largest EV charging network, empowering people to transition to a cleaner, fairer world for future generations.
• Host Denise Johansson, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Enfuce, a female-founded fintech helping drive business growth, solve customer challenges, and extend financial inclusion.

 

Links.

• Octopus Electroverse
• Enfuce

 

Guest Quotes (edited).

• I think it is inevitable that the car market will become fully electrified. There are still some question marks over some of the larger vehicle types and how that works. But even now, we're starting to see big steps happening in those areas as well. — Rachel Beaton, Octopus Electroverse, InTheHotSeat
• Transitioning fleets is a huge piece of the puzzle for climate change. It’s a challenge because you’re asking a business to mandate a change for their drivers, deciding for them, and that generates resistance. —  Rachel Beaton, Octopus Electroverse, InTheHotSeat
• Fleets are 25% of vehicles, but 75% of mileage. So it’s a really critical transition. —  Rachel Beaton, Octopus Electroverse, InTheHotSeat
• Transitioning a fleet is going to take you somewhere between three and seven years, depending on what your lease cycle is. If it’s all cars, probably three to five. But if you’ve got vans, a lot of them are on a seven-year lease cycle. These fleet managers are having to plan a long way. —  Rachel Beaton, Octopus Electroverse, InTheHotSeat
• We’re looking at all new vehicles having to be electric in 10 years — 2035. So to give themselves a bit of breathing space and to allow themselves to spread the cost, starting now is critical for fleet managers. —  Rachel Beaton, Octopus Electroverse, InTheHotSeat

 

Denise Quotes (edited).

• The big fleets produce a big portion of the CO2 emissions. So, where are we with the transition for fleet companies? — Denise Johansson, InTheHotSeat
• The infrastructure is needed for EVs to be accessible to everyone across Europe. — Denise Johansson, InTheHotSeat
• Transitioning to electric mobility is a massive project for anyone who’s thinking about it. Public and private partnerships are essential to get going. — Denise Johansson, InTheHotSeat
• It sounds like if you are a mobility manager, it’s time to really start thinking about it. You might not even be in that position anymore in ten years, but you need to start helping the company. — Denise Johansson, InTheHotSeat
• As an electric vehicle driver, I’m looking forward to an easier, more streamlined charging experience because, yes, that is still a hassle on the roads! — Denise Johansson, InTheHotSeat